Christian Practices Flashcards
Liturgical worship
Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches
Follows a set pattern; includes prayers and readings
Non-liturgical worship
Follows an order but the elements are tailored to each service.
Prayers are often in leader’s own words
Evangelical worship
Worship stressing the teaching of Jesus, person conversion experiences, scripture and evangelism to others
Charismatic worship
Service has recognisable characteristics (e.g. prayers, hymns)
Free-flowing - lacks structure
Why is it important to worship?
God wants people to worship him
Worship can bring a sense of connection/togetherness with God to a community and/or an individual
Strengthens the worshipper’s faith
Infant baptism
Baptism of a baby
Use of holy water from the font and poured three times over the forehead
Sign of cross made on forehead
Believer’s baptism
Older children and adults
Use of holy water and the Trinitarian formula (trinity)
Walking 3 steps symbolises end of the old life of sin
The Last Supper
Basis of the ‘bread and wine’ service
bread - body
wine - blood
Orthodox Divine Liturgy
‘Divine; is a reminder of the sacred mystery of the service and ‘liturgy’ means ‘work of the people’ in praising of God
Roman Catholic Mass
Worshippers confess sins and forgiveness is given
Service includes Bible readings, sermon and prayers
Bread and Wine are brought to the alter and the Eucharistic prayer is said to consecrate them
Only the priest drinks the wine
Anglican Holy Communion
Similar to Roman Catholics, however, wine is drunk from a single chalice by the whole congregation.
Lord’s Supper (Other Protestant groups)
Simpler services, with people gathering at the front
Bread and wine are shared - wine is often non-alcoholic and is given individually
Hymns may be sung and the Lord’s Prayer may be said by all
PILGRIMAGE: Lourdes (France)
Here, Bernadette Soubirous claimed she had seen the virgin Mary in 18 visions
Pilgrims may touch the walls of the grotto, water is taken home and sometimes statues of Mary are bought
PILGRIMAGE: Iona
Known as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland, as an Irish monk settled there in 563AD
Iona has a long history, making pilgrims want to visit it
A stay at Iona means work as well as worship (and study)
Importance of Pilgrimages
Allows focus on faith and a renewed energy to cope with the demands of life, as well as offering time for spiritual growth.
However, the money to go on a pilgrimage could be spent on helping others
The renewal while on a pilgrimage quickly wears off when you go home
Spiritual development can be gained at home in prayer and reflection
Christmas
Celebrates the birth of Jesus
The specific date is unknown but the Western church chose 25 Dec; Eastern Church chose 6 Jan
Christians disagree over the accuracy of what happened but the message is key - that the incarnation of God the Son (Jesus) had humble beginnings, thus showing humanity
Celebration and importance of Christmas
State holiday in the UK, showing the importance of this event in a ‘Christian country’
Celebrated with gifts, cards, parties etc.
ADVENT, Christingle service, Christmas Eve Mass & Christmas Eve Service, Christmas Carols are sung throughout.
Christians thank God for his gift of Jesus.
Easter
Remembers the events that led to Jesus’ death, his death and resurrection
Key Events are:
Palm Sunday - Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem
Maundy Thursday - Last Supper and Jesus’ arrest
Easter Sunday - Resurrection
Celebration and importance of Easter
Special church services run throughout the week remembering the lead up to ‘the greatest sacrifice ever’
People send cards, gifts, Easter chocolates and have family meals.
Role of the Church in the local community
Christians have always been involved in making the communities a better place to live.
They work in support groups for the young and old, support charities that help the needy, welcome immigrants, and work as street pastors & at food banks
This is influenced by the Parable of the sheep and goats
Food banks
People volunteer to collect and distribute food.
Many food banks are centred in churches or church halls. People in need are identified by police, schools or social services and are given vouchers to exchange for food parcels.
Street pastors
Christians who go out on city streets at night to care for the physical and spiritual needs of young people who might be affected by excessive drinking, drug use, fighting etc. They care for and listen to people regardless of young people’s behaviour.
Over 270 towns now have street pastors, their governing body is the Ascension Trust, which works with local councils, police and other official bodies.
Salvation Army
Founded in 1865 as a result of the deprivation people lived in and the apparent unconcern shown by many Christian churches.
The Salvation Army works with the poor and disadvantaged, setting up:
Food kitchens and hostels for the homeless
Toy collections at Christmas
Training and employment help and advice
Evangelical
Spreading the word by way of preaching the Gospel of Christ
